35987, Steele, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 35987, Steele, Alabama is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.65 percent of residents in 35987 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.43 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Marshall Medical Centers with a distance of 21.24 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Steele, Alabama (ZIP Code 35987)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Steele, Alabama (ZIP Code 35987) requires a deep dive into the critical intersection of transportation and healthcare access. This analysis considers various modes of transport, including personal vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, all within the context of the region's geographical layout and available healthcare facilities. The aim is to provide a comprehensive picture of the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals seeking medical care in this area.

The primary challenge in Steele is its relative isolation and reliance on personal vehicles. The town is situated in St. Clair County, a rural area with limited public transportation infrastructure. This dependence on cars significantly impacts the overall health score, especially for those without vehicles, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families. The distance to healthcare facilities, coupled with potential transportation barriers, can lead to delayed or missed appointments, exacerbating health issues and hindering preventative care.

The most direct route for residents of Steele to access healthcare often involves traveling along **Highway 77** and **Highway 411**. These highways serve as the primary arteries connecting Steele to larger towns and cities like Ashville and Gadsden, where the majority of healthcare providers are located. However, these roads can experience traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, potentially increasing drive times and adding to the stress of traveling for medical appointments.

Drive times to the nearest hospitals and clinics vary depending on the destination and traffic conditions. The closest hospital is **St. Vincent's St. Clair** in Ashville, a drive of approximately 15-20 minutes under normal conditions. This facility offers a range of services, including emergency care, inpatient care, and various outpatient clinics. Traveling to Gadsden, home to **Riverview Regional Medical Center** and numerous specialist offices, typically takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic flow on **Highway 77** and the connecting roads.

Public transportation options are severely limited in Steele. The absence of a robust public transit system significantly diminishes the overall health score. There is no established bus route that directly serves Steele, leaving residents with few alternatives to personal vehicles. This lack of public transportation disproportionately affects those who cannot drive, creating a substantial barrier to healthcare access. The absence of any ADA-compliant features in the public transportation infrastructure exacerbates this issue for individuals with disabilities.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and affordability can be inconsistent, particularly in rural areas. Availability may be limited, and surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand could make these services cost-prohibitive for some residents. While ride-sharing offers a potential solution for those without personal vehicles, its limitations must be considered when assessing the overall health score.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), play a crucial role in ensuring healthcare access for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized assistance. Ambulance services are readily available in the event of emergencies, but their use is typically reserved for critical situations. NEMT providers offer transportation to and from medical appointments for individuals who cannot drive themselves. However, the availability and cost of NEMT services can vary, and the need to schedule these services in advance can pose challenges for some patients.

The healthcare landscape in and around Steele is a significant factor in determining the overall health score. The availability of primary care physicians, specialists, and other healthcare providers directly impacts the ease of access to medical care. While St. Vincent's St. Clair in Ashville offers a range of services, residents may need to travel to Gadsden or even Birmingham for specialized care. The distance and transportation challenges associated with accessing these services can negatively impact the overall health score.

The overall health score for residents of Steele, Alabama, is significantly influenced by the challenges associated with transportation and healthcare access. The lack of public transportation, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the distance to healthcare facilities create barriers for many residents. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services offers some solutions, but their limitations must be considered.

The decision to move to Steele, Alabama, should involve a thorough assessment of these factors. Prospective residents, especially those with mobility limitations or without personal vehicles, should carefully consider the transportation challenges and the potential impact on their ability to access healthcare. Researching the availability of healthcare providers, understanding the cost and reliability of transportation options, and exploring potential support services are crucial steps in making an informed decision.

The overall health score for Steele could be improved through several measures. Investing in public transportation infrastructure, including bus routes that serve the area, would significantly enhance healthcare access for all residents. Promoting ride-sharing services and subsidizing their use for low-income individuals could also help. Expanding the availability of NEMT services and ensuring their affordability would further improve healthcare access for those with mobility limitations.

Furthermore, encouraging the establishment of more healthcare providers in Steele or nearby communities would reduce the distance residents must travel for medical care. Supporting telehealth initiatives, which allow patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely, could also help overcome transportation barriers. By addressing these challenges and implementing these improvements, the overall health score for Steele can be enhanced, leading to better health outcomes for all residents.